Strengths
- Requires small fluid volumes to produce large output motions and forces.
- Can operate untethered using small compressors.
- Bistable states allow holding positions without continuous energy input.
- Snap-through and snap-back pressures are tunable for precise control.
- Some designs demonstrate durability over one million actuation cycles.
Limitations
- Actuation times typically range from 0.1 to 1 second, which may limit some applications.
- Precise fabrication of elastomeric instabilities is necessary for reliable performance.
- Core designs rely on pneumatic or fluidic inputs, limiting input modality.